Three arrested in McDonald assault

One man’s infatuation with a McDonald woman landed three members of a West Virginia family in Washington County jail early Tuesday after two of them allegedly forced their way into her residence and assaulted her friend.

Benjamin J. Grimes, 41, of New Manchester, W.Va., and Christopher J. Grimes, 39, of New Cumberland, W.Va., are accused of forcing their way into a home at 214 1/2 Station St., and assaulting Richard Saniga. Lisa Marie Grimes, 44, also of New Manchester, is accused of driving the pair. Christopher and Benjamin Grimes are brothers. Lisa Grimes is the wife of Benjamin Grimes, police said.

Saniga and Lottie May Fields called McDonald police about 11 p.m. Monday to report that they had been receiving threatening telephone calls from Benjamin Grimes. They told police that Benjamin Grimes is infatuated with Fields and wanted to get into a physical confrontation with Saniga because of their current relationship.

The two told police that Benjamin Grimes had called repeatedly, threatening to “rip Richard’s head off” and to kill him. While police were still at their home, Benjamin Grimes called Fields’ cellphone. When police answered the call, Benjamin Grimes reportedly made another threatening statement and then hung up upon learning he was talking to an officer.

Just after midnight, police were dispatched to 214 1/2 Station for a report of two men and a woman trying to enter the home of Fields and Saniga. Fields identified the three as Benjamin, Christopher and Lisa Grimes. While en route, a 911 dispatcher told police they had broken into the home and were assaulting Saniga.

When police arrived, they could hear a loud disturbance from behind the residence. Saniga could be seen leaving the house along with all three of the Grimeses. Police told them twice to stop, but Christopher and Benjamin Grimes reportedly failed to comply. They were forced to the ground and wrist restraints were used by officers.

Police learned Lisa Grimes drove them to McDonald. All three reportedly approached the residence yelling and trying to get into a fight with Saniga. When Saniga and Fields refused to open the door, Christopher and Benjamin Grimes reportedly tried to get into through the door. When that did not work, Benjamin Grimes reportedly broke the window and the two men tried to get inside the house as Saniga tried to stop them. He was cut by broken glass.

As Benjamin Grimes was being transported to the McDonald police station, he reportedly told an officer that “It’s all my fault … I just let my emotions get the best of me.”

All three are charged with burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, loitering and prowling at night, harassment and disorderly conduct. The men are also charged with resisting arrest. They were arraigned before District Judge Mark Wilson and placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. The three are scheduled for a June 30 preliminary hearing at the office of Senior District Judge Jay Dutton.

Kathie Warco

Staff Writer

Kathie O. Warco has covered the police beat and transportation for the Observer-Reporter for more than 25 years. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism.